Which Diet Plan Is Right for Your Patient? The Evidence Behind the Most Popular Diets

Which Diet Plan is Right for Your Patient? The Evidence Behind the Most Popular Diets

According to a 2009 CNN report, approximately 100 million Americans make New Year’s resolutions,1 with the resolution to lose weight being the most common.2 This means that a significant number of Americans will be embarking on diets in January—including quick weight-loss or “fad” programs.3

There are a number of red flags people should look out for that may indicate a diet is “too good to be true.”

Experts warn dieters should steer clear of plans that promote “magic” or “miracle” foods that are alleged to “burn fat” (eg, grapefruits or cabbage soup), that encourage eating large quantities of one particular food, that offer rigid menus, or that promise rapid weight loss (more than two pounds per week).4

The recently published AHA/ACC Obesity Guideline5 suggests several potential dietary approaches for weight loss, emphasizing that even those without “formal prescribe energy restrictions” must include “realized energy deficit.”

Reduced total and saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar-sweetened products

There is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of DASH in special patient populations—eg, patients with chronic kidney or liver disease—but these conditions are not strict contraindications.9

The Mediterranean Diet “typically includes a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cereals; moderate intake of fish and poultry; and low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets. It also includes wine in moderation, consumed with meals.”10 It was recommended by the EASD Guidelines6 and the ACC/AHA Guidelines5 for weight loss.